Sunny and Bobby Deol stood shoulder to shoulder with their family on Wednesday evening as the film fraternity gathered to remember Dharmendra at his prayer meet in Mumbai. The actor’s passing on November 24 has left the industry shaken, and the ceremony, held at Taj Lands End in Bandra, became a space where grief and gratitude flowed in equal measure.
An inside photo from the gathering, shared by a fan, captured a quiet moment between the two brothers. Both were seen in white, hands folded, speaking to friends and relatives who had arrived to pay their final respects. Behind them hung a large portrait of Dharmendra, a reminder of the star whose warmth, screen presence, and decades of cinematic work shaped Indian film history.
The event was titled Celebration of Life, and it truly lived up to the sentiment. From 5 pm to 7:30 pm, actors, filmmakers, technicians, and family friends streamed into the hall. Several attendees later said the atmosphere was emotional but calm, anchored by the Deol family’s composed presence. Reports also noted that singer Sonu Nigam is expected to offer a musical tribute, performing some of Dharmendra’s most cherished songs.
Dharmendra’s journey, marked by longevity and reinvention, has been remembered with unusual affection across the country this week. He passed away at 89 after a prolonged period of health issues, yet he continued to work and remained involved with new projects. He had been looking forward to the release of Ekkis, Agastya Nanda’s upcoming film.
The Sholay icon was cremated in a private ceremony earlier this week. Although there was initial speculation about state honours and a gun salute due to his contributions to cinema and his tenure as a Member of Parliament from Bikaner, the Deol family reportedly chose a quiet and dignified farewell.
At the prayer meet, what stood out was the deep sense of connection he left behind. Colleagues spoke about his humility, younger actors recalled his encouragement, and friends described a man who carried fame lightly. The gathering became less about loss and more about recognising a life that touched millions. Dharmendra’s legacy continues not just in his films but in the affection that still follows him.